Where the good stuff happens!
The week surrounding Valentine’s Day is one of candy hearts and mushy sentiments. Though some are not a fan of the occasion, I thought it might be a good opportunity to reflect on the more positive aspects of vet school that I have grown to love. This is especially helpful at a time of year where both mental and physical fatigue are really beginning to set in.
Of course, a large portion of the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) curriculum results in our class of 120 spending consecutive hours in the same room, staring at the same screen (or sleeping on the same laptop, depending on one’s level of fatigue or the excitement of the lecture). This is arguably inevitable given the sheer volume of content to be learned in four short years. Yet, as my ability to concentrate grows noticeably weaker, I am actively working to find enjoyment in the activities presented to us outside the classroom.
Second year vet students (like me) are required to participate in one week of small and large animal shadowing. This entails following — also known as ‘shadowing’ — a fourth (final) year student during the morning and evening treatments of any patients they may have on their rotations. The activities observed can include administration of medications, discussions with supervising clinicians, components of a proper physical exam, and more.
While I do think the shadowing requirements could use some adjustments in practicality (7 a.m. and 7 p.m. duties bookending eight-hour class days, not including nighttime studying, are unconducive to physical or mental wellness), the essence of the program is highly valuable to veterinary students. Interacting with colleagues that are where we’ll be in a mere two years (eek!) allows for an engaging experience. Perhaps with some added flexibility, enjoyment of the program can be capitalized by future students.
Outside of mandated activities, vet school provides countless opportunities to indulge in the ‘real’ world of veterinary medicine. There are OVC clubs for major species groups, branches of veterinary medicine, and areas of special interest. Examples range from the Equine and Small Animal clubs to the Business and Dentistry clubs, with several diverse groups in between. Activities run by these clubs include networking dinners, rounds participation, and hands-on labs led by industry experts.
Yours truly is the current president of the Animal Welfare Club, where I work with an excellent executive arranging lunch talks, labs, excursions, and our annual Animal Welfare Forum. The skills gained in such roles are not limited to the medical realm; there are many areas for personal and professional growth. Time management, leadership, organizational, and teamwork-related traits are all those that develop naturally from such participation, and they would be foolish to undervalue.
At times, the workload can feel like too much to handle. I am grateful for the many opportunities presented to us vet students to escape the endless studying and put to use skills that will benefit us most in the clinical world. Now, if only I had the time and energy to take advantage of them all!
Photo obtained via Unsplash